Okie's NW Corner

Duchess' two-cents worth from a Pug's view point... "This has been a fairly dry, warm week in the NW Corner of Oklahoma. It has been in the mid-90s most of the week. Oakie made me stay inside in the air conditioned house most of the time. I look for signs of Oakie getting ready to head out the door... AND... I am there -- being cute, begging, running circles at the back door. BUT... when she says it is too hot out there for this little, sweet Pug, it makes me pout and loose the curl in my pug tail. Just knocks the wind out of my sails.... so to speak. Know what I mean?"

"Sometimes... Oakie cannot resist some of my cute Pug ways of begging. It's all in these wide, innocent Pug eyes, flat nose and my sweet panting of a smile. I can scoot through the back door -- down the steps -- circle the pickup pretty darn fast -- before Oakie makes it out the door. She keeps telling me that I cannot go check horses until I eat my breakfast. I have learned to snuffle (if that is a word) down my chow in no time at all. As to 2004 colts... So far there are about 19 NEW little colts with 5 of them being fillys and the rest horse colts."

Oakie's Trip Through the Countryside...

Besides new horse colts and fillys, the 90-something temperatures have stirred the ripening of the red winter wheat that is canvassing the rural countryside with it's luscious carpet of green, waving wheat that sure smells sweet ... right behind the rain. As we journeyed out West and South of Woods County near Alva the other day, we stopped at this railroad crossing and caught this two-engine, Burlington Northern & Santa Fe freight train southern-bound, heading towards Avard, Oklahoma.

After it had passed, we headed west again towards a Prairie Skyscraper, Noel Coop Elevator. For those of you who haven't been to Noel for awhile, about a mile of so west of Alva, by the Ridgeview Veterinary, turn south off of highway 64 and follow a curving south, west road for a few miles. You will see on the horizon line a lone grain elevator (Kansas folks might call them "Prairie Skyscrapers"). You will pass over one set of railroad crossing and before you get to the second railroad crossing, you will turn south again -- pass by a farm house (where my folks used to buy their REAL cream, eggs and milk from the Gatz family).

You can view more of these NW Oklahoma country scenes at our NW OkieLegacy Webshots - 2004 NW Countryside. You can also catch some scenes of the buffalo grass, sage brush, cottonwood, chinaberry trees out at Fairvalley, Oklahoma. Things have sure greened up fast around here with all the rain we received the last few weeks. Some say over 6-inches of rain in the last few weeks. The winter wheat is heading out and some say that harvest is probably a month away... or so.

Old Photos to Jog Your Memories...

I have some "Old" photos to jog your memories out there. This one was taken May 7, 1933 (71 years ago). Besides the date on the back, it reads... "Throw 'er June -- Feel Better??" We tried reading the sign on the window of the building in the background without any luck. Not sure who the fella is throwing something, but assume it was someone that went by the name/nickname of "June." If someone out there has a flashback, memory recall and is familar with this picture, please share it with us. Thanks.

Washington Elementary School - December, 1949 or 1950?...

Here is another old photos we found this week of an earlier Washington Elementary School students that was taken around Christmas time, in Alva, Oklahoma. I am NOT sure of the year but think it might have been around the earlier 1950s... or maybe even 1949!?

The little girl on the frontrow, leftside is my "OLD" sister, Connie Jean (in the Washington Elementary sweatshirt). On the backrow, left side is the teacher. Some of you might recognize some others... like Judy Travis (backrow) and others.

I know there is someone out there that can identify more than this writer can. I don't think that I have shared this picture before? Anyway... Help us out here to identify the rest of this kids. Notice the bobby sox, saddle oxfords, rolled-up jeans. Are these kids seven, eight years or older? What year was this?

"Old Time" Road Crew...

Doing it the old fashion way with horse powered wagons, wooden wheel barrel and man-power? There was nothing written on this old photo. Notice the guy on the front leftside holding the reins, attached to the backend of the horse on the rightside. How about that wooden wagon in the background with the wooden barrels. Let us not overlook the other team of horses in the background. They seem to be working on a dirt road of some sort. No road graders and dump trucks here! What year was this taken? What are they doing here? Click the photo for a larger view. Thanks again for your help!

Early Democratic Leadership - 1960's...

Now... We are getting in to some early 1960s Democratic leadership in the White house, Washington, DC. How's your memory, recollection of these "Members of the Democratic leadership at White House?" Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, Carl Albert, etc... How many can you name?

There is an interesting item in the Mailbag Corner this week. It concerns Short Springs, Oklahoma, in Alfalfa County -- a house, a race track and stables. Did you know... Just south of the Short Springs school house and the Short Springs Cemetery, on highway 64, east of Alva a few miles and west of Ingersol -- there was a house, race track and stables. AND... Just south of that was where Short Spring was located. I am told that it is still in use for watering cattle. Does this jog anyone's memory cells? Would love to hear more stories about Short Springs, Noel and other NW Oklahoma communities. Keep those photos, memories coming this way.

Alva's Murals Gracing Alva Buildings...

Don Gray, the artist, and the Alva Mural Society have finished the Charles Morton Share Mural on the Professional building sometime last week. I have added this final photo to the NW OkieLegacy Slideshow - Share Bros. Mural.

Alva's local artists, Richey, Warren and Dunkin, are still working, painting on the Castle on the Hill Mural (5th & Oklahoma Blvd). It is a work in progress. We have many talented citizens in this neck of the Woods.

Things seem to be working smoothly this week (knock on wood). Lots of you emailed and mentioned that you had received last week's newsletter right on schedule. Some did not. Some got multiple copies. Some mentioned that... "I'd rather get multiples than nothing at all!" Other's mentioned that they had, "Received my copy right on schedule, and as usual enjoy it very much.... thanks for all your effort." Thanks to Y'all for the many responses and encouragement. We couldn't do it without you!

Before Duchess and I get out of here for the weekend and "Mother's Day" this Sunday , we have a Southern Oklahoma friend that celebrated his 83rd birthday on April 13th. I know this is a few weeks late, but we would still like to wish the Honorable Ernest D. Martin a Happy Belated Birthday. I have never met Ernest, but feel like I have known him forever. You see... I was honored a few years back to have been chosen to help him put his "Father's Legacy" on the web for his family. It is truely amazing, fascinating how those who cross our path one way or another -- How our lives are impacted. Thanks, Ernest, for letting me share, help bring your Legacy to the web -- helping you get reaquainted, connected with old friends along the way. It was my pleasure. Happy Birthday, Ernest!

We shall see the rest of you next weekend with more Okie Legacies, photos, memories and perhaps some answer to our "old" photos above. That is ... If we don't melt in these Mid-90s, May temperatures. Happy Mother's Day to ALL you Mothers out there!

WWII POW Camp of Alva - Signed Woodwork...

I read it faithfully every Saturday morning. Will be sending in an item or two one of these days. Some time ago, I purchased a piece of art (woodwork) by one of the prisoners at the POW camp in Alva... it's signed and dated, and I am going to make an effort to find the man who carved it - or some of his family if he is deceased - and return it to him/them. It will take me awhile, though, to get through with school and then actually take time to sit down and write something. In the meantime, keep writing! Thanks." -- Rod View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Duncan (Oklahoma) & Chisholm Trail Stampede...

"Received my copies, Linda... and enjoyed it. I hope you and Duchess have had a nice day. I've had the insurance adjustors come to look at the hail damage to my home and cars from last weekends storm. Today (May 1, 2004) started out really cold but its warming up. Duncan is in the midst of the Chisholm Trail Stampede, there was a parade this morning, then a Cowboy Festival at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center today -- then tonight the Rodeo, followed by a Dance at the Simmons Center later tonight." -- Glenda View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Thanks for Help With Whittet's...

"The newsletter came through.  Thanks for the help with the Whittet's.  I have had several messages from Van and he has found his half sister, and working to get a family reunion going. " View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Ann Reynolds Case & K101 Radio Talk Show...

Ann Reynolds Case & K101 Radio Talk Show... "Ann Reynolds death (March 1956) most likely will never be solved until we find a motive and it's probably too late to do that.  I wonder what they (K101 Radio) are saying.  There was something going on in her life during that time and I'm surprised it didn't surface back then unless of course this was a random act of violence.  Since she apparently traveled this road everyday it could have been a local nut who planned a sexual assault that went bad, who knows.  You were right in your newsletter, there is no statute on murder.  Maybe one day someone will give a deathbed confession." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Looking for Syrup Pie Recipe...

"The Choctaw Indians make chocolate gravy. My granddaughter made it one day for her class. Does anyone have a recipe for Syrup Pie? It was one of my two favorite desserts my grandmother made and no one knows how to make them. The filling was made with pure cream and karo syrup and when cooked had the consistency of chess pie. She used to drop little blobs of butter on top before putting them in the oven and when they came out there were little rings, where she had dropped the butter. (The karo syrup people don't know it either). The other one was what she called a Liberty cake. The dough was made with yeast and each one was put in a regular cake pan to rise. Before baking she poured sugar and cinnamon on top then poured cream on it. The area where the cream, sugar and cinnamon kind of swirled together during baking was the part I personally saved until last. I woulk liken it to a coffee type cake. Any one else remember anything similar to these?" -- Tomi in Dallas - Email: dstefano1@juno.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Greetings, Linda...

"Got my Okie Legacy and I don't think I have missed any -- which is unusual for an AOL member. As always you are doing a great job!! Regards." -- John View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy & Small Town Newspaper...

"Linda, you are doing a great job with your OkieLegacy. If you ever change your mind about wanting to own a small town newspaper, let me know. I think you could be a real asset to this paper and you certainly have the writing ability to do it a good job. Good luck and keep up the good work." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Impacting Another Person's Life...

"I thought I would share a couple of items that have surfaced from my past due to the information garnered from the Fathers Legacy.   Of course the big one was the updated contact I have enjoyed from my friend Melvin Clisher .   He now lives in Virginia and seems to be doing well. Then one day I received a query from someone in California that had read my account of an experience I had as a kid when I successfully avoided a fight with one Hollis Medford.    This turned out to be a very interesting update and I hesitate to relay the details in writing.... perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to give you a   verbal report. If you would be interested in referring to the 1st-half of Vol. 6 of the Legacy you will find reference to a Hall Overton..... Strange that there is only this one mention of this person yet it seemed to have generated an interesting item to consider.    I think I remember that at one time in my correspondence with you that we pondered the thought of just how each of us somehow could have an impact on another persons life. Thanks to you and the Father Legacy I have had doors from my past opened wide and the opportunity to relive and re-evaluate a part of my life that has emerged. Very truly yours." -- Ernest View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Droop Mountain Civil War Battle...

"Thank you for the pages on the Droop Mtn. Civil War Battle. Very thorough." -- Brenda - Email: brendabirch@nc.slr.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Short Springs Cemetery...

"My grandmother Myrtle Ann Webster, (born Buckles) married Wiley Scribner, was buried this past year at Short Springs Cemetery. She is survived by her son Neal, and four grandsons Kent, Shawn, Blake and Todd. She was loved and will be missed." -- Shawn Scribner - Email: sscribner@att.net View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Short Spring, Oklahoma - A House, Race Track & Stables...

"I'm the grandson of Wiley & Myrtle Scribner. Myrtle (Buckles, Scribner) Webster of Cherokee, Oklahoma past away in 3/16/2003. She was born near one mile south of Short Springs (Oklahoma) in 2/4/1907. There was a tornado that spring that destoryed the family home, and it was rebuilt that summer. The house is in use to this day and owned by the Buckles family (2004).
     Side Note About Short Spring... Just south of the Short Springs school house and Short Springs Cemetery, was a house, race track and stables. And just south of that was where Short Spring was located. It's still in use for watering cattle. I have a few more short story's about the area. Email me if you'd like some more tidbits." -- Blake Scribner - Email: Blake@scribnermedia.com View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Oh!  What a Beautiful Morning & Gone to the Dogs...

"Well, it may not be so in Oklahoma, but in Kansas the corn grows as high as an elephant's eye —  so I suppose that an elephant's eye is as high as you find growing corn!!  ("Oh!  What a Beautiful Morning" from State Fair )  Corny, huh?? Still reading and enjoying Dutchess's e-zine; my compliments to her.  Maybe you can aspire to her job when she's elected President!! Best to you and David! Received everything. Thanks!! STILL a great e-zine even though it has gone to the dogs! LOL" -- Joel View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Hi, Linda...

"Didn't get it this week, but I'll go to the web page. I always look forward to it and thank you for keeping us all in the know. Best wishes." -- Norman View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Thanks For Your Dedication...

"Yes, I did receive Okie Legacy! Sometimes I even get 2 copies... Thank you for your dedication. I've only been in the area since 1959 (a newcomer compared to most in your readers who have relatives stretching back to the Run of '93) but do enjoy the fascinating history." -- Bonnie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Cantonment Photo - Amazing...

"Yes, Linda, I received my Ezine, and enjoyed it so much. The Cantonment photo is amazing. I didn't know it was so large." -- Sandie View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy - May 1, 2004...

"I did indeed receive the newsletter and as always enjoyed it very much.  Thanks for all of your hard and talented work." View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy - May 1, 2004...

"No problem - newsletter arrived at the regular time.  Enjoy reading about the Hurt family." -- Vernon View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

OkieLegacy - May 1, 2004...

"Dearest Linda, I received the Oakie's free weekly Ezine right on schedule Friday evening here in AZ. There was only one copy sent. Sorry for the headache you are experiencing. Thank you so much for your time, interest and attention. God Bless. Always." -- Barbara View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Ezine Came Through...

"Your e-zine came thru just fine!  I really enjoy it and look forward to every issue. Keep up the good work! Ties to Oklahoma thru the old family lines of McFadden, Martino, Guthrie, Baker and many others!" -- Susan in NH View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe

Poetry Society of Oklahoma (PSO)...

"Thought you'd like to know that some at the OWFI conference are interested in PSO!  People are here from all over the state, and beyond.  I whipped up this flier and am also printing membership forms to distribute today.  I'm going to Carl Sennhenn's second event on poetry.  He has agreed to join our 'Faculty of Workshop' - speakers for the July Workshop." 

THE POETRY SOCIETY OF OKLAHOMA (PSO)
Founded February 9, 1934 by Zoe Tilghman
Meets in Oklahoma City the second Saturdays of January, March, July, and October
Sponsors Annual Oklahoma Lore Statewide Youth Contest every April
And Annual PSO Contest –
(Categories 1- 34 categories, open to all members, no entry fee
Categories 1-20 open to all, non-member fee of $3.00 per poem)
Annual Dues: $15.00 ~ entitles you to attend all events, enter all contests, receive Newsletters, be a member of NFSPS, enter NFSPS contests, and receive STROPHES
Next PSO Event
“Emily Dickinson Day”
THE JULY JUBILEE
10: 00 AM ~ July 10, 2004
Greens Country Club
13100 Green Valley Drive , Oklahoma City
Total Workshop Cost: $12.00 per plate
Guests Welcome!
JULY JUBILEE WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Charlie Cahill, Oklahoma 's Cowboy Poet & Entertainer,
Writing: “How to write good narrative poetry”
Dena Gorrell, President of Pen Women, PSO Poet Laureate, Big-time contest winner Contests: “How to enter and win contests”
Lou Harper , publishing poet and small press
“Books don't just happen: How to publish your chapbook”
Marianne McNeil Logan , Well known Texas Cowboy Poet, Sonneteer, Entertainer
Humor: “ The Worth of Mirth”
Jean Ravenscroft , Publishing writer and speaker, OWFI,
Your poem deserves proper presentation: “How to read your poem to an audience”
Carl Sennhenn - Professor of Poetry, Oklahoma Poet Laureate, 2003, 04
Topic to be announced
Dr. Howard Stein , OU School of Medicine, PSO's successful book publishing poet
“Why I write poems and how I've sold books to publishers" 
Send $12.00 per person with reservations to
Mary Chase, 213 S. W. 62nd, OKC 73139 no later than July 1.
Call President Vivian Stewart, (405) 373-0713 for information
Please check out our fabulous website: www.poetrysocietyofoklahoma.org View/Write Comments (count 0)   |   Receive updates (0 subscribers)  |   Unsubscribe